Haptic system: recline activation control

ABSTRACT

An electronically-activated support positioning system for a passenger seat can include a sensor capable of detecting a tactile input from a passenger and sending a signal, optionally through a controller, to a lock actuator coupled to a lockable hydraulic spring to either lock or unlock the lockable hydraulic spring. The lockable hydraulic spring can control movement of a support of the passenger seat, such as reclining of a seatback. In an example, when tactile input is detected, the lock actuator can unlock the lockable hydraulic spring, allowing an attached seatback to be adjusted. When tactile input is no longer detected, the lock actuator can lock the lockable hydraulic spring, securing the seatback from adjustment. The sensor can be sufficiently small to fit within the confines of an armrest. The sensor can be a microswitch positioned to detect deflection of a tab formed in the wall of the armrest.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/551,934, filed Aug. 18, 2017, entitled “HAPTIC SYSTEM: RECLINEACTIVATION CONTROL” (“the '934 application”), which is the U.S. nationalstage entry of PCT/US2016/014071, filed on Jan. 20, 2016, entitled“HAPTIC SYSTEM: RECLINE ACTIVATION CONTROL” (“the '071 application”),which application is related to and claims priority benefits from U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/118,742, filed on Feb. 20, 2015,entitled “HAPTIC SYSTEM: RECLINE ACTIVATION CONTROL” (“the '742application”). The '934, '071, and '742 applications are herebyincorporated in their entireties by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to passenger seats generally and morespecifically to reclining functionality on passenger seats.

BACKGROUND

Passenger seats used in many environments, such as aircraft seats usedin private and commercial air travel, may include adjustment optionsthat allow a passenger to manipulate one or more supports associatedwith the seat. For example, passenger seats may include a system forreclining the seatback. The system may include a lockable actuator, suchas a lockable hydraulic spring, to allow the passenger to selectivelykeep the support in a desired position or adjust the support to a newposition. The activation of these lockable actuators has beenaccomplished through the use of fully mechanical linkages, such as alarge plunger on an armrest that manipulates a mechanical control cablecoupled to a lockable hydraulic spring. Mechanical linkages and the likecan occupy substantial volume and can impart substantial weight on apassenger seat, limiting the placement options for the mechanicallinkages, limiting the construction options for the passenger seat, andnegatively impacting the efficiency of any vehicle in which thepassenger seats may be used.

In passenger seat construction, there may be a desire to incorporatedesigns that invoke innovation, technological appreciation, and thefeeling of open space, among other aesthetic goals. These aestheticgoals may be especially useful to give competing carriers, such asairlines, a competitive advantage as offering a more pleasing travelexperience. For example, design innovations in aircraft seats in recentyears have resulted in thinner and more aesthetically pleasing seats.However, the reliance on mechanical linkages as described above canlimit design options for invoking desired aesthetic goals.

SUMMARY

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “thepresent invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly toall of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below.Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit thesubject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of thepatent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patentare defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is ahigh-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introducessome of the concepts that are further described in the DetailedDescription section below. This summary is not intended to identify keyor essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intendedto be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The subject matter should be understood by reference toappropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any orall drawings and each claim.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a reclinecontrol system includes a lockable hydraulic spring couplable to apassenger seat to control movement of a portion of the passenger seat,the lockable hydraulic spring actuatable between a locked state and anunlocked state. The recline control system further includes a lockactuator coupled to the lockable hydraulic spring for controlling a lockstate of the lockable hydraulic spring and a sensor for sensing atactile input, the sensor operatively coupled to the lock actuator toinitiate actuation of the lockable hydraulic spring in response tosensing the tactile input.

In some embodiments, the portion of the passenger seat is be a seatbackand the lockable hydraulic spring controls reclining of the seatback. Insome embodiments, the lockable hydraulic spring includes a locking pinfor controlling the lock state of the lockable hydraulic spring and thelock actuator includes a servo coupled to a hinge, the servo actuatableto deflect the hinge to depress the locking pin. In some embodiments,the sensor includes a button mountable in an armrest of the passengerseat to detect a deflection of a surface of the armrest, and the tactileinput is the deflection of the surface of the armrest. In someembodiments, the sensor is mountable in an armrest of the passenger seatto detect pressure applied to a surface of the armrest and the tactileinput is the pressure applied to the surface of the armrest. In someembodiments, the sensor is mountable in an armrest of the passenger seatand the recline control system further comprises an illumination sourcepositionable proximate the sensor. In some embodiments, the reclinecontrol system further comprises a controller operatively coupledbetween the sensor and the lock actuator. In some embodiments, therecline control system further comprises a feedback actuator operativelycoupled to the controller to generate a feedback sensation associatedwith actuation of the lockable hydraulic spring to an unlocked state.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passengerseat includes a seat frame, a support coupled to the seat frame andmaneuverable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and alockable hydraulic spring couplable to the support to control movementof the support between the stowed position and the deployed position,the lockable hydraulic spring actuatable between a locked state and anunlocked state. The passenger seat further includes a lock actuatorcoupled to the lockable hydraulic spring for controlling a lock state ofthe lockable hydraulic spring and a sensor for sensing a tactile input,the sensor operatively coupled to the lock actuator to initiateactuation of the lockable hydraulic spring in response to sensing thetactile input.

In some embodiments, the support is a seatback pivotally coupled to theseat frame to pivot between the stowed position and the deployedposition. In some embodiments, the lockable hydraulic spring includes alocking pin for controlling the lock state of the lockable hydraulicspring and the lock actuator includes a servo coupled to a hinge, theservo actuatable to deflect the hinge to depress the locking pin. Insome embodiments, the passenger seat further includes an armrest coupledto the seat frame, the armrest having a separation in an externalsurface of the armrest forming a deflectable tab, wherein the sensorincludes a button mounted in the armrest to detect deflection of thedeflectable tab, and wherein the tactile input is the deflection of thedeflectable tab. In some embodiments, the passenger seat furtherincludes an armrest coupled to the seat frame, wherein the sensor ismountable in the armrest to detect pressure applied to a surface of thearmrest, and wherein the tactile input is the pressure applied to thesurface of the armrest. In some embodiments, the passenger seat furtherincludes an armrest coupled to the seat frame, wherein the sensor ismountable in the armrest, and wherein the passenger seat furthercomprises an illumination source positionable proximate the sensor. Insome embodiments, the passenger seat further includes a controlleroperatively coupled between the sensor and the lock actuator. In someembodiments, the passenger seat further includes a feedback actuatoroperatively coupled to the controller to generate a feedback sensationassociated with actuation of the lockable hydraulic spring to anunlocked state.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a methodincludes sensing a tactile input by a sensor mounted in an armrest of apassenger seat and generating a sensor signal in response to sensing thetactile input; and activating a lock actuator in response to generatingthe sensor signal, wherein activating the lock actuator includesdepressing a locking pin of a lockable hydraulic spring.

In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving the sensorsignal by a controller; and transmitting a control signal in response toreceiving the sensor signal, wherein activating the lock actuator inresponse to generating the sensor signal includes receiving the controlsignal and activating the lock actuator in response to receiving thecontrol signal. In some embodiments, the method further includesdetermining, by the controller, to unlock the lockable hydraulic springbased on the sensor signal, wherein transmitting the control signaloccurs in response to determining to unlock the lockable hydraulicspring. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, bythe controller, a master lockout signal, wherein determining to unlockthe lockable hydraulic spring is further based on the master lockoutsignal. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting afeedback control signal in association with transmitting the controlsignal, wherein the feedback control signal, when received by thefeedback actuator, causes the feedback actuator to generate a feedbacksensation indicative of actuation of the lockable hydraulic spring to anunlocked state. In some embodiments, activating the lock actuatorincludes actuating a servo in response to generating the sensor signalto deflect a hinge, wherein the hinge depresses the locking pin upondeflection. In some embodiments, the armrest includes a surface and aseparation in the surface that forms a deflectable tab, wherein sensingthe tactile input includes detecting deflection of the deflectable tab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, inwhich use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended toillustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a set of passenger seats havingelectronically-activated recline controls according to certain aspectsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the set of passenger seats of FIG. 1 accordingto certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway side view of a passenger seat havingelectronically-activated recline controls with a seatback in a stowedposition according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway side view of the passenger seat of FIG. 3with the seatback in a deployed position according to certain aspects ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a close up side view depicting the use of an armrest with anelectronically-activated recline control according to certain aspects ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a close up side view of an electronically-activated reclinecontrol system according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a section-cutaway, top view of an armrest with anelectronically-activated recline control in an inactivated positionaccording to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a section-cutaway top view of an armrest with anelectronically-activated recline control in a depressed positionaccording to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting an electronically-activatedrecline control system according to certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting a method of electronically sensing andelectronically actuating a recline control system according to certainaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a close up side view of an electronically-activated reclinecontrol system according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a section-cutaway, top view of the armrest of FIG. 11according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is describedhere with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but thisdescription is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of theclaims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, mayinclude different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction withother existing or future technologies. This description should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among orbetween various steps or elements except when the order of individualsteps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure relate to anelectronically-activated support positioning system for a passengerseat. The system can include a sensor capable of detecting a tactileinput from a passenger. The sensor can relay a signal, optionallythrough a controller, to a lock actuator that is coupled to a lockablehydraulic spring to either lock or unlock the lockable hydraulic spring.The lockable hydraulic spring can control movement of a support of thepassenger seat, such as reclining of a seatback of the seat. In anexample, when a tactile input is detected, the lock actuator can unlockthe lockable hydraulic spring, allowing the seatback or other support tobe moved or manipulated. When tactile input is no longer detected, thelock actuator can then lock the lockable hydraulic spring, allowing theseatback or other support to retain its position. The sensor can besufficiently small to fit within the confines of an armrest. In somecases, the sensor is a microswitch positioned to detect deflection of atab formed in the wall of the armrest.

The described embodiments of the invention provideelectronically-activated support positioning systems for passengerseats. While certain aspects and features of the present disclosure arediscussed for use with aircraft seats, they are by no means so limited.Rather, embodiments of electronically-activated support positioningsystems may be used in passenger seats or other seats of any type orotherwise as desired.

An electronically-activated support positioning system can include asensor for detecting a tactile input. The sensor can be any suitablesensor capable of detecting a passenger's intention to controlpositioning of the support (e.g., seatback). Any sensor capable ofdetecting a tactile input can be used. As used herein, the term tactileinput can be any touching, tapping, depressing, deflecting, or othercontact with a surface. A tactile input can be applied to a surface ofthe armrest, a surface of a button or pad, a surface of a sensor, or thelike. Any suitable sensor can be used that is capable of detecting thetactile input, either directly (e.g., a sensor that is a microswitchthat detects mechanical deflecting of a surface in contact with thesensor) or indirectly (e.g., a sensor that is a capacitive inductancesensor that detects the presence of a finger pressing a surfaceproximate the sensor). Examples of suitable sensors include mechanicalbuttons (e.g., a microswitch), pressure sensors (e.g., piezoelectricsensors), proximity sensors (e.g., capacitive inductance sensors),optical sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, and others. Insome cases, a sensor can be used to detect a non-tactile input, such asa proximity input, which can be used in place of a tactile input for thepurposes disclosed herein.

The sensor is capable of generating an electrical sensor signal, whichcan be used by a controller or a lock actuator to lock or unlock alockable hydraulic spring. A sensor signal can be an active signal(e.g., a voltage or digital signal generated by the sensor) or a passivesignal (e.g., the opening or closing of a circuit). The sensor signalcan be transmitted through a wire or through a wireless radio. Since thesensor provides an electrical signal instead of needing to relay amechanical force, the sensor can be relatively small and can bepositionable in a multitude of locations. In some cases, the sensor canbe coupled to or positioned within the housing of an armrest. In somecases, the armrest can include a wall having a separation that forms adeflectable tab. The sensor can be placed within the armrest andoperatively coupled with the deflectable tab to detect deflection of thedeflectable tab. In some cases, a window, cover, button, passthrough, orother feature is included in a wall of the armrest, by which the sensorcan sense the tactile input.

In some cases, a controller can be used to process the sensor signal andprovide a control signal to a lock actuator to lock or unlock a lockablehydraulic spring. Any suitable controller can be used, such as amicrocontroller, a processor, a programmable logic controller, orothers. In some cases, the controller can provide additional timingfunctionality, such as maintaining the lockable hydraulic spring in anunlocked state for a duration that is longer or shorter than theduration of the tactile input as indicated by the sensor signal.

In some cases, the controller can make a determination about whether tolock or unlock the lockable hydraulic spring based on the sensor signal.For example, when a sensor provides a digital sensor signal (e.g., opencircuit or closed circuit), the controller can determine to unlock thelockable hydraulic spring whenever the sensor signal is closed (e.g.,tactile input is detected). In another example, when a sensor providesan analog sensor signal (e.g., a capacitive inductance sensor providinga signal that varies with proximity), the controller can determine tounlock the lockable hydraulic spring whenever the sensor signal is abovea preset threshold value. In some cases, a controller can further takeinto account a master lockout signal when making the determination aboutwhether to lock or unlock the lockable hydraulic spring. When the masterlockout signal is on or above a certain threshold, the controller canrefuse to unlock the hydraulic spring. A master lockout signal can beapplied by a master controller to one or more passenger seats. Forexample, a crewmember of an aircraft may be able to use the mastercontroller to enable or disable seatback reclining for all passengerseats, individual passenger seats, or certain select passenger seats. Insome cases, a controller can make a determination about whether to lockor unlock the lockable hydraulic spring further based on a positionsignal from a support position sensor. The support position sensor canbe capable of determining a position of the support (e.g., seatback).For example, when a master lockout signal is on or above a threshold,the controller can refuse to unlock the hydraulic spring only when theseatback is in a stowed (e.g., upright) position, but may still allowthe hydraulic spring to unlock when the seatback is in a deployed (e.g.,reclined) position. Therefore, the seatback may be returned to a stowedposition even when the master lockout is active. In some cases, thecontroller may be coupled to the master controller to relay passengerseat data to the master controller, such as information related tosensed tactile inputs, the position of the support, the status of thelockable hydraulic spring, or other diagnostic or seat-relatedinformation.

In some cases, an indicator can be provided proximate the sensor, suchas to indicate to a passenger the location of the sensor. The indicatorcan include an illumination source capable of providing light viewableby a passenger. The illumination source can be coupled to a surface orplaced behind a surface (e.g., opposite the surface from a passenger)and viewable through a transparent, translucent, or open window.Examples of suitable illumination sources include light emitting diodes(LEDs), electroluminescent sources, radioluminescent sources (e.g.,tritium-filled fluorescent tubes), and others. In some cases, anillumination source can include one or more illumination sources coupledtogether or positioned proximate one another. In some cases, theillumination source can be coupled to and controlled by the controller.In some cases, the illumination source can be illuminated in differentfashions based on a master lockout signal. For example, the illuminationsource may illuminate as blue when the master lockout is inactive andthus a tactile input would unlock the lockable hydraulic spring, howeverthe illumination source may illuminate as red when the master lockout isactive and a tactile input would not be able to unlock the lockablehydraulic spring.

In some cases, electronically-activated support positioning systems, asdisclosed herein, can be incorporated into passenger seats duringinitial construction of the seat. In some cases,electronically-activated support positioning systems can be provided asa kit that can be incorporated into a passenger seat, such as to replacean existing mechanically-controlled support positioning system.

In some cases, a feedback sensation can be provided to a user toindicate that a tactile input has been received or that the lockablehydraulic spring has been actuated, such as to an unlocked state. Thisfeedback sensation can be useful to indicate to the passenger that theportion of the passenger seat is unlocked and thus can be maneuvered(e.g., that the seatback can be reclined). The feedback sensation can betactile (e.g., a vibration or tactile button click), auditory (e.g., abeep or audible button click), visual (e.g., illumination of a light),or otherwise. The feedback sensation can be provided by a feedbackactuator that can provide the feedback sensation passively or actively.A feedback actuator can be a feature of another component or can be itsown component.

A passive feedback sensation may be generated without the need for anelectrically controlled feedback actuator. Examples of passive feedbackactuators can include a biased flap that produces an audible or tactileclick when a microbutton is depressed and/or released; a grooved patternon a feature of an armrest that interacts with a tab of an armrest whenthe tab is depressed and deflected, causing the tab to grate across thegrooved pattern and generate audible or tactile feedback; and a featureassociated with a linear actuator or locking pin of a lockable hydraulicspring that generates a noise or tactile vibration when the locking pinis depressed.

An active feedback actuator can provide a feedback sensation in responseto receiving a feedback control signal. A feedback control signal can besent from a controller, from a sensor near the hydraulic spring, fromthe tactile input sensor, or otherwise. Examples of active feedbackactuators can include tactile actuators (e.g., vibration motors ortactile linear actuators), speakers, lights, illumination sources, andthe like. Active feedback actuators can be placed in any convenientlocation. Examples of some particular active feedback actuators caninclude illumination sources on or in the proximity of a passenger seat(e.g., on an overhead control panel); a speaker on, in, or in theproximity of a passenger seat; and a tactile linear actuator in anarmrest, seat bottom, or seatback of a passenger seat. In some cases, anactive feedback actuator is located on another structure, such as abulkhead, an overhead control panel, or a monitor. For example, uponsensing a tactile input or upon unlocking a hydraulic spring, a feedbackcontrol signal can be provided to a feedback actuator that is a monitor(e.g., a screen mounted in the seatback of a forward-positionedpassenger seat or mounted in a forward-positioned bulkhead) and themonitor can display an icon indicating that the seatback is unlocked andcan be manipulated.

In some cases, multiple portions of a passenger seat, such as a seatbackand a legrest, can be controllable by tactile input. When multipleportions of a passenger seat are controllable by tactile input, a singlesensor can be used to control two or more portions of the passengerseat. In some cases, multiple feedback actuators can be used to provideseparate feedback sensations for each of the portions of the passengerseat that are controllable by tactile input. In some cases, separatefeedback sensations can be distinguishable from one another to beindicative of which portion of the passenger seat is unlocked (e.g., byvisually displaying different lights, by vibrating different portions ofthe passenger seat, by generating different sounds, or the like). Insome cases, multiple portions of a passenger seat can be controllable bytactile input from multiple sensors (e.g., two or more buttons placed inproximity to one another). In such cases, separate feedback sensationscan be provided as indicated above, or a single, common feedbacksensation can be provided whenever any portion of the passenger seat isunlocked.

These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to thegeneral subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe variousadditional features and examples with reference to the drawings in whichlike numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions areused to describe the illustrative embodiments but, like the illustrativeembodiments, should not be used to limit the present disclosure. Theelements included in the illustrations herein may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a set 100 of passenger seats 102 havingelectronically-activated recline controls 110 according to certainaspects of the present disclosure. The set 100 is shown with threepassenger seats 102, although any number of seats 102 may be used. Theset 100 can be used to form rows of seats in a vehicle, such as anaircraft.

Each passenger seat 102 can include a seat bottom 104 and a seatback 106supported by a support frame 112. Each passenger seat 102 can include atleast one armrest 108. In some cases, one or more passenger seats 102 ofa set 100 can include two armrests 108. In some cases, anelectronically-activated recline control 110 for a particular passengerseat 102 is positioned within or incorporated into an armrest 108adjacent the passenger seat 102. In some cases, theelectronically-activated recline control 110 is oriented to face inwardstowards the passenger seat 102, although other orientations can be used.

In some cases, an electronically-activated recline control 110 for aparticular passenger seat 102 can be located on structures other than anarmrest 108. For example, an electronically-activated recline control110 can be incorporated into a wired or wireless controller separatefrom the passenger seat 102, such as a handheld remote control or acontrol panel of a nearby structure (e.g., a wall, a seatback of anadjacent passenger seat, a ceiling fixture).

FIG. 2 is a front view of the set 100 of passenger seats 102 of FIG. 1according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Each passengerseat 102 is shown having a seat bottom 104 and a seatback 106 supportedby a support frame 112. Electronically-activated recline controls 110are shown incorporated into armrests 108 of the passenger seats 102.

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway side view of a passenger seat 302 havingelectronically-activated recline controls 310 with a seatback 306 in astowed position according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.Some portions of the elements shown in FIG. 3 have been removed ortruncated for purposes of clarity. The seatback 306 is shown in astowed, or upright, position. The seatback 306 can be pivotally attachedto the support frame 312 at a pivot 322. In some cases, an upper frame316 supports the seatback 306 and is pivotally coupled to a lower frame314 at the pivot 322. A lockable hydraulic spring 318 (e.g., a reclinehydrolock) can be coupled to the upper frame 316 to control movement ofthe upper frame 316, and thus the seatback 306, about the pivot 322. Insome cases, the lockable hydraulic spring 318 can be located within,under, adjacent, or proximate a seat bottom 304, although it may bepositioned in other locations. While FIG. 3 shows one possible structurefor pivotally supporting seatback 306, including upper frame 316 coupledto lower frame 314 at pivot 322, the aspects and features of the presentdisclosure can be used with other structures for movably supporting aportion of a passenger seat, such as a seatback, in other fashions withadditional or different mechanical arrangements that still use one ormore lockable hydraulic springs 318 to control movement of the portionof the passenger seat (e.g., seatback).

The lockable hydraulic spring 318 can be coupled, opposite the upperframe 316, to a bracket 324, which is in turn secured to the lower frame314. Thus, any reclining of the seatback 306 (e.g., by pivoting theupper frame 316 about pivot 322) requires extension of the lockablehydraulic spring 318. When the lockable hydraulic spring 318 isunlocked, the seatback 306 may be able to be positioned into thedeployed position, as seen in FIG. 4. When the lockable hydraulic spring318 is locked, substantial force from the lockable hydraulic spring 318may prevent movement of the seatback 306 to the deployed position.

The lockable hydraulic spring 318 may be actuatable between at least twolock states—unlocked and locked—by a lock actuator. Any suitable lockactuator may be used. The type of lock actuator may depend on themechanism by which the lockable hydraulic spring 318 is actuated. Asdepicted in FIG. 3, the lockable hydraulic spring 318 is actuated bydepression of a locking pin located at a first end (e.g., leftmost endas seen in the figure) of the lockable hydraulic spring 318. The lockingpin can be depressed by deflecting a hinge 326 into the locking pinthrough the use of a servo 328 or other actuator (e.g., a linearactuator). The lock actuator can include the hinge 326 and the servo328, as well as any necessary related parts. In some cases, a lockactuator can include a linear actuator (e.g., a piezoelectric actuator),a valve actuator, or other device suitable for actuating a lockablehydraulic spring 318 to alter or set the lock state of the lockablehydraulic spring 318.

Electronically-activated recline controls 310 can be located withinarmrest 308. A sensor 332 can be positioned within the armrest 308, suchas near a distal end (e.g., leftmost end as seen in the figure) of thearmrest 308. A cable 330 can couple the sensor 332 to a controller 320to convey electrical signals. The cable 330 can include one or morewires. The controller 320 can be located in any suitable location, suchas in, under, adjacent, or proximate the seat bottom 304; in, under,adjacent, or proximate the armrest 308; incorporated with the sensor 332(e.g., on a single circuit board); incorporated with the servo (e.g.,within a single housing); or elsewhere.

A passenger can apply a tactile input at a target zone proximate thesensor 332. When the sensor 332 is located within an armrest 308,examples of applying a tactile input can include squeezing the armrest308 or applying pressure to armrest 308 at the target zone. The sensor332 can detect the tactile input and provide a sensor signal throughcable 330 to the controller 320. The controller 320 can then transmit acontrol signal to the servo 328 to unlock the lockable hydraulic spring318 and allow the seatback 306 to recline to a deployed position.

FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway side view of the passenger seat 302 of FIG.3 with the seatback 306 in a deployed position according to certainaspects of the present disclosure. Some portions of the elements shownin FIG. 4 have been removed or truncated for purposes of clarity. Adepiction of where the seatback 306 would be if in a stowed position isdepicted in sparse-dotted lines. The reclining action of the seatback306 between the stowed (e.g., upright) position and deployed (e.g.,reclined) position is indicated by arrow 434. While FIG. 4 shows onepossible structure for pivotally supporting seatback 306, includingupper frame 316 coupled to lower frame 314 at pivot 322, the aspects andfeatures of the present disclosure can be used with other structures formovably supporting a portion of a passenger seat, such as a seatback, inother fashions with additional or different mechanical arrangements thatstill use one or more lockable hydraulic springs 318 to control movementof the portion of the passenger seat (e.g., seatback).

A tactile input applied to the electronically-activated recline controls310 can be detected by sensor 332, which can provide a sensor signal viacable 330 to controller 320. The controller 320, upon receiving thesensor signal, can transmit a control signal to servo 328, which canpull the hinge 326 to depress the locking pin of the lockable hydraulicspring 318, thus actuating the lockable hydraulic spring 318 into anunlocked state. In the unlocked state, the lockable hydraulic spring 318is able to expand or contract. As shown in FIG. 4, force has beenapplied to expand the lockable hydraulic spring 318, thus pivoting theupper frame 316, and thus the seatback 306, about pivot 322.

FIG. 5 is a close up side view depicting the use of an armrest 508 withan electronically-activated recline control 510 according to certainaspects of the present disclosure. The armrest 508 can include one ormore surfaces 509, such as a sidewall. A deflectable tab 538 can beformed in surface 509 of the armrest 508 by creating a separation 536that at least partially defines the boundaries of the deflectable tab538. The separation 536 can be formed in any suitable way, such asthrough molding, cutting, punching, or the like. The separation 536 canbe an opening that passes entirely through the surface 509. In somecases, the separation 536 can include a flexible barrier to keep dust orcontaminants from entering the interior of the armrest 508.

A passenger 540 can depress on the deflectable tab 538 to deflect thedeflectable tab 538 towards the interior of the armrest 508. The use ofa deflectable tab 538, as opposed to a mechanical button or the like,can improve the design options, cost to manufacture, weight cost, andother factors related to incorporating a recline control mechanism intoan armrest 508.

FIG. 6 is a close up side view of an electronically-activated reclinecontrol system 600 according to certain aspects of the presentdisclosure. The system can include a sensor 642 coupled to a controller620 which is coupled to a servo 628 for actuating a lockable hydraulicspring 618. The sensor 642 can be incorporated into an armrest 608. Thesensor 642 can be positioned proximate a deflectable tab 638 formed in asurface 609 of the armrest 608. The deflectable tab 638 can be formed bya separation 636 in the surface 609 of the armrest 608. The sensor 642can be positioned to detect deflection of the deflectable tab 638.

An indicator 644 can be located proximate the sensor 642, such as on thedeflectable tab 638. The indicator 644 can be a feature that provides atactile and/or visual indication of where a tactile input should beapplied in order to operate the electronically-activated recline controlsystem 600. For example, the indicator 644 can be a sticker in the shapeof a reclined seat. In some cases, the indicator 644 can include araised portion of the surface 609 or a window in the surface 609. Insome cases, the indicator 644 can include a transparent, translucent, oropen window through which light may pass.

When the sensor 642 detects a tactile input (e.g., deflection of thedeflectable tab 638), a sensor signal can be transmitted to thecontroller 620 via cable 632. The controller 620 can optionally performfurther processing to determine whether or not to send a control signal.The controller 620 can send a control signal along an additional cableto the servo 628. The servo 628 can actuate (e.g., pull on) the hinge626 to depress the locking pin 650 of the lockable hydraulic spring 618.At least a portion of the hydraulic spring 618 (e.g., an end support)can provide an anchor for one arm of the hinge 626, while the other armof the hinge 626 is able to move to depress the locking pin 650 or moveaway from the locking pin 650.

In some cases, a feedback actuator can provide a feedback sensationindicative that a tactile input has been received or that the hydraulicspring 618 has been unlocked (e.g., a control signal has been sent). Insome cases, deflectable tab 638 can include features that interact withmechanical features (e.g., ribs or grooves) of an adjacent part (e.g.,an interior portion of the armrest) to passively generate a tactile oraudible feedback sensation when the deflectable tab 638 is depressed. Insome cases, the sensor 638 can include mechanical features that interactto produce a tactile or audible feedback sensation (e.g., button click)when the deflectable tab 638 is depressed, such as sufficientlydepressed to trigger transmission of a sensor signal.

In some cases, controller 620 can generate a feedback control signal,which causes active generation of a feedback sensation. In some cases,controller 620 can transmit a feedback control signal to sensor 642,which can include a feedback actuator (e.g., tactile motor) suitable foractively generating a feedback sensation. In some cases, controller 620can transmit a feedback control signal to a separate feedback actuator680. Feedback actuator 680 can be a motor, tactile actuator, speaker,monitor (e.g., display panel), illumination source, or the like.Transmission of a feedback control signal can occur by wire orwirelessly.

FIG. 7 is a section-cutaway, top view of an armrest 708 with anelectronically-activated recline control 710 in an inactivated positionaccording to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Theelectronically-activated recline control 710 can include a sensor thatis a microswitch 742. The microswitch 742 can include a plunger 746which, when depressed, generates a signal (e.g., opens or closes acircuit) in cable 732, which can be used to lock or unlock a lockablehydraulic spring. The armrest 708 can include an external surface 709(e.g., sidewall). A deflectable tab 738 can be formed in the externalsurface 709 by separation 736.

The surface 709 includes a window 744 located proximate the microswitch742. The window 744 can be located on the deflectable tab 738. Thewindow 744 can take the shape of a reclining seat. The window 744 can betransparent, translucent, or open. An illumination source 748 can bepositioned proximate the window 744, within the interior of the armrest708. Light provided by the illumination source 748 can pass throughwindow 744 and be visible to a passenger. The illumination source 748can be powered and/or controlled via cable 732 or via another cable. Theillumination source 748 can include one or more illumination sources,such as those described above.

In an inactivated position, the deflectable tab 738 is not deflectedsufficiently to depress the plunger 746 of the microswitch 742, and thusthe microswitch 742 is not detecting a tactile input.

In some cases, a feedback actuator 780 can be positioned in the armrest708 to generate a feedback signal. The feedback actuator can be coupledto a controller via cable 732. The feedback actuator 780 can be avibration motor.

FIG. 8 is a section-cutaway, top view of an armrest 708 with anelectronically-activated recline control 710 in a depressed positionaccording to certain aspects of the present disclosure. In the depressedposition, the deflectable tab 738 is deflected sufficiently to depressthe plunger 746 of the microswitch 742, and thus cause the microswitch742 to detect a tactile input. Upon detecting the tactile input, themicroswitch 742 can generate a sensor signal (e.g., open or close acircuit) in cable 732. The deflectable tab 738 can be deflected by apassenger, such as by squeezing or applying pressure to the armrest 708at the deflectable tab 738.

Because a tactile input has been detected, the controller can transmit acontrol signal to the feedback actuator 780, causing the feedbackactuator 780 to generate a feedback sensation 782. The feedbacksensation 782 can be a vibration, although other sensations may begenerated. When the feedback sensation 782 is a vibration, thevibrations can propagate from the feedback actuator 780 into the armrest708 so that it may be felt by a passenger depressing the deflectable tab738.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting an electronically-activatedrecline control system 900 according to certain aspects of the presentdisclosure. The system 900 can include a controller 920 coupled to asensor 932 and a lock actuator 926. The sensor 932 can be incorporatedin an armrest 908 or elsewhere. Upon receipt of a sensor signal, fromthe sensor 932, indicative of a tactile input, the controller 920 canoutput a control signal to the lock actuator 926 to actuate the lockablehydraulic spring 918.

In some cases, the controller 920 can be implemented using one or morecomponents located within a single or multiple housings. The controller920 can include one or more processors, microcontrollers, or the like.

In some cases, the lock actuator 926 can include a servo 928 coupled tothe controller 920 to receive the control signal. Other types of lockactuators 926 can be used.

In some cases, an illumination source 948 can be positioned proximatethe sensor 932, such as within the armrest 908. The illumination source948 can be coupled to the controller 920.

A power source 956 can be coupled to the controller 920 to provide powerto one or more components of the system 900. In some cases, the powersource 956 is an internal, self-contained power source, such as abattery or capacitor. In some cases, the power source 956 is aconnection to an external power source, such as line power, vehiclepower, a power generation source (e.g., turbine or alternator), or thelike.

In some cases, the controller 920 can be coupled to a master controller952. The master controller 952 can be any suitable controller, such as aprocessor, microcontroller, computer, smartphone, switch, electricalrelay, or the like. The master controller 952 can provide a masterlockout signal to the controller 920 to disable or enable the ability tounlock the lockable hydraulic spring 918. When the master lockout isactive, the controller 920 may disable the ability to unlock thelockable hydraulic spring 918, even if a tactile input is detected bysensor 932. In some cases, the master controller 952 can selectivelyunlock the lockable hydraulic spring 918 regardless of whether a tactileinput is detected by sensor 932. For example, in the case where a flightattendant wishes to easily raise all seatbacks in an aircraft, a singleswitch can be actuated on a master controller 952 to unlock all lockablehydraulic springs 918 and the flight attendant can walk around andeasily manipulate each seatback without having to depress individualcontrols for each seat.

In some cases, the controller 920 is coupled to a support positionsensor 954. The support position sensor 954 can be any sensor suitablefor detecting a position of the support (e.g., seatback). Suitablesupport position sensors 954 include angle sensors, rotation sensors,distance sensors, proximity sensors, touch or pressure sensors, or thelike. The support position sensor 954 can provide a position signal tothe controller 920, which the controller 920 can use to determinewhether or not to allow the lockable hydraulic spring 918 to beunlocked. For example, an upper frame of a seatback may include amagnetic source and a support position sensor 954 that is a hall sensorcan be positioned to close a circuit only when the seatback is in afully stowed (e.g., upright) position. In an example, a controller 920can be programmed to allow the lockable hydraulic spring 918 to beunlocked, even if the master lockout is active, if the support positionsensor 954 is not providing a signal indicative that the seatback is ina stowed position. Therefore, the master lockout can be active (e.g.,during landing) to prevent passengers from reclining their seatbacks,but any passenger with a reclined seatback would be able to move theirseatback from a reclined position to an upright position.

In some cases, the controller 920 is coupled to a feedback actuator 980to provide a feedback control signal that causes the feedback actuator980 to generate a feedback sensation. In some cases, the feedbackactuator 980 can be the illumination source 948 within the armrest 908and the feedback sensation can be the light generated by theillumination source 948. The feedback actuator 980 can generate anysuitable feedback sensation, including any combination of tactile,audible, or visual sensations.

Each of the components of system 900 can be embodied in multiplesub-components or can be joined together in any suitable combination.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting a method 1000 of electronically sensingand electronically actuating a recline control system according tocertain aspects of the present disclosure. At block 1058, a tactileinput is sensed. The tactile input can be sensed as disclosed herein,such as by depression of the plunger of a microswitch. In some cases,sensing the tactile input at block 1058 includes detecting deflection ofa deflectable tab of an armrest at block 1060.

At block 1062, a sensor signal is generated. The sensor signal can begenerated by the sensor that detects the tactile input at block 1058. Insome cases, the sensor signal can be transmitted, by wire or wirelessly,directly to a lock actuator to activate the lock actuator at block 1074.

In some cases, the sensor signal can be transmitted, by wire orwirelessly, to a controller. In such cases, one or more of optionalblocks 1064, 1066, 1068, 1070, or 1072 may be employed.

At block 1064, the sensor signal is received by a controller. In somecases, the controller can automatically transmit a control signal 1072in response to receiving the sensor signal at block 1064. In some cases,the controller can determine to unlock the hydraulic spring at block1070, in which case transmitting the control signal at block 1072 occursin response to determining to unlock the hydraulic spring at block 1070.Determining to unlock the hydraulic spring at block 1070 can be based onthe sensor signal received at block 1064.

In some cases, a master lockout signal is received by the controller atblock 1066. In such cases, determining to unlock the hydraulic spring atblock 1070 can further be based on the master lockout signal received atblock 1066. In an example, a control signal is transmitted at block 1072only when the sensor signal received at block 1064 is indicative ofdetection of a tactile input and the master lockout signal received atblock 1066 is indicative that the master lockout is inactive (e.g., nolockout signal is received).

In some cases, a support position signal is received by the controllerat block 1068. The support position signal can be indicative of theposition of the support (e.g., a seatback) that is positionable when thehydraulic spring is unlocked. In such cases, determining to unlock thehydraulic spring at block 1070 can further be based on the supportposition signal received at block 1068. In an example, even when themaster lockout signal received at block 1066 is indicative that themaster lockout is active, a control signal may still be transmitted atblock 1072 when the sensor signal received at block 1064 is indicativeof detection of a tactile input and the support position signal receivedat block 1068 is indicative that the support is not in a stowedposition.

At block 1074, the lock actuator can be activated, which can unlock thehydraulic spring at block 1076. In an example, activating the lockactuator at block 1074 can include activating a servo that pulls on ahinge to depress a locking pin of the hydraulic spring, which unlocksthe hydraulic spring at block 1076. Once unlocked, the hydraulic springis able to extend or contract, thus allowing the position of the support(e.g., seatback) to be moved.

In some cases, when the tactile input ceases to be sensed at block 1058,lock actuator can cease to be activated at block 1074 or can beactivated in an alternate fashion (e.g., in a reverse direction) to lockthe hydraulic spring.

In some cases, feedback sensations can be generated to provideindication that a tactile input has been received or that the hydraulicspring has been unlocked.

In some cases, sensing the tactile input at block 1058 can includegenerating a feedback sensation at block 1084. Generation of thefeedback sensation at block 1084 can be passive (e.g., due to mechanicaldeflection of a button or deflectable tab) or active (e.g., depressionof a button, in addition to generating the sensor signal at block 1062,can provide a feedback control signal that generates the feedbacksensation at block 1084).

In some cases, a feedback control signal can be transmitted at block1086 in response to the determination to unlock the hydraulic spring atblock 1070. A feedback sensation can be generated at block 1088 when thefeedback control signal transmitted at block 1086 is received, such asby a feedback actuator.

In some cases, a feedback sensation can be generated at block 1090 inresponse to unlocking the hydraulic spring at block 1076. The feedbacksensation can be passively generated (e.g., due to mechanical deflectionof a hinge coupled to a locking pin of a hydraulic spring) or activelygenerated (e.g., a feedback control signal can be sent to a feedbackactuator by a switch coupled to a hinge in a fashion that causes theswitch to complete a circuit when the hinge depresses the locking pin).

Feedback sensations can be generated in other ways and based on otherportions of method 1000.

FIG. 11 is a close up side view of an electronically-activated reclinecontrol system 1100 according to certain aspects of the presentdisclosure. The system can include a sensor 1132 incorporated into anarmrest 1108. The sensor 1132 may be any sensor suitable for detecting atactile input through the external surface 1109 of the armrest 1108. Forexample, the sensor 1132 may be a proximity sensor capable of detectingwhen a passenger is pressing against the external surface 1109 proximatethe sensor 1132. As another example, the sensor 1132 can be a pressuresensor capable of detecting small deflections of the external surface1109 proximate the sensor 1132. An indicator 1144 can be locatedproximate the sensor 1132 to provide an indication of where apassenger's tactile input should be directed.

FIG. 12 is a section-cutaway, top view of the armrest 1108 of FIG. 11according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Theelectronically-activated recline control 1110 can include a sensor 1132that may be any sensor suitable for detecting a tactile input throughthe external surface 1109 of the armrest 1108. For example, sensor 1132can be a capacitive inductance sensor.

The surface 1109 can include an indicator 1144 that includes anillumination source 1148 within the armrest 1108 and a window 1244through the surface 1109, through which light from the illuminationsource 1148 can be seen.

A feedback actuator 1280 can be positioned within the armrest 1108 toprovide feedback sensations as described in further detail herein.

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings ordescribed above, as well as components and steps not shown or describedare possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are usefuland may be employed without reference to other features andsub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described forillustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodimentswill become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the presentinvention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depictedin the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the claims below.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A recline control system, comprising: alockable hydraulic spring couplable to a passenger seat to controlmovement of a portion of the passenger seat, the lockable hydraulicspring actuatable between a locked state and an unlocked state; a lockactuator coupled to the lockable hydraulic spring for controlling a lockstate of the lockable hydraulic spring; a sensor for sensing a tactileinput, the sensor operatively coupled to the lock actuator to initiateactuation of the lockable hydraulic spring in response to sensing thetactile input; and a controller operatively coupled to at least thesensor and the lock actuator, wherein the controller receives a masterlockout signal and determines a disabled state or an enabled state ofthe lock actuator based on the master lockout signal.
 2. The reclinecontrol system of claim 1, wherein: the portion of the passenger seatcomprises a seatback; the lockable hydraulic spring is couplable to theseatback to control reclining of the seatback; the lockable hydraulicspring comprises a locking pin for controlling the lock state of thelockable hydraulic spring; and the lock actuator comprises an actuatorcoupled to a hinge, the actuator actuatable to deflect the hinge todepress the locking pin.
 3. The recline control system of claim 1,further comprising a position sensor operatively coupled to thecontroller for determining a position of the portion of the passengerseat, wherein the controller receives a position signal from theposition sensor and determines the disabled state or the enabled stateof the lock actuator based on the position signal and the master lockoutsignal.
 4. The recline control system of claim 1, wherein the disabledstate of the lock actuator prevents the actuation of the lockablehydraulic spring between the locked state and the unlocked state.
 5. Therecline control system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is mountable in anarmrest of the passenger seat to detect pressure applied to a surface ofthe armrest, and wherein the tactile input is the pressure applied tothe surface of the armrest.
 6. The recline control system of claim 1,wherein the sensor is mountable in an armrest of the passenger seat, andwherein the recline control system further comprises an illuminationsource positionable proximate the sensor.
 7. The recline control systemof claim 6, wherein the illumination source is operatively coupled tothe controller and is illuminated based on the master lockout signal. 8.The recline control system of claim 7, further comprising a feedbackactuator operatively coupled to the controller to generate a feedbacksensation associated with actuation of the lockable hydraulic spring tothe unlocked state.
 9. A passenger seat, comprising: a seat frame; asupport coupled to the seat frame and moveable between a stowed positionand a deployed position; a lockable hydraulic spring couplable to thesupport to control movement of the support between the stowed positionand the deployed position, the lockable hydraulic spring actuatablebetween a locked state and an unlocked state; a lock actuator coupled tothe lockable hydraulic spring for controlling a lock state of thelockable hydraulic spring; a sensor for sensing a tactile input, thesensor operatively coupled to the lock actuator to initiate actuation ofthe lockable hydraulic spring in response to sensing the tactile input;and a controller operatively coupled to at least the sensor and the lockactuator, wherein the controller receives a sensor signal from thesensor and a master lockout signal, and wherein the lock actuator isenabled or disabled based on the master lockout signal.
 10. Thepassenger seat of claim 9, wherein: the support is a seatback pivotallycoupled to the seat frame to pivot between the stowed position and thedeployed position; the lockable hydraulic spring includes a locking pinfor controlling the lock state of the lockable hydraulic spring; and thelock actuator includes an actuator coupled to a hinge, the actuatoractuatable to deflect the hinge to depress the locking pin.
 11. Thepassenger seat of claim 9, wherein the lock actuator is enabled andchanges the lock state of the lockable hydraulic spring to the unlockedstate based on the sensor signal.
 12. The passenger seat of claim 9,wherein the lock actuator is disabled so the lock state of the lockablehydraulic spring cannot be changed to the unlocked state based on thesensor signal.
 13. The passenger seat of claim 9, further comprising anarmrest coupled to the seat frame, wherein the sensor is mountable inthe armrest to detect pressure applied to a surface of the armrest, andwherein the tactile input is the pressure applied to the surface of thearmrest.
 14. The passenger seat of claim 9, further comprising anarmrest coupled to the seat frame, wherein the sensor is mountable inthe armrest, and wherein the passenger seat further comprises anillumination source positionable proximate the sensor.
 15. The passengerseat of claim 9, further comprising a position sensor operativelycoupled to the controller for determining a position of the support,wherein the controller receives a position signal from the positionsensor and determines a disabled state or an enabled state of the lockactuator based on the position signal and the master lockout signal. 16.The passenger seat of claim 9, further comprising a feedback actuatoroperatively coupled to the controller to generate a feedback sensationassociated with actuation of the lockable hydraulic spring to theunlocked state.
 17. A method, comprising: sensing, by a sensor mountedin an armrest of a passenger seat, a tactile input and generating asensor signal in response to sensing the tactile input; receiving, by acontroller, the sensor signal and an enabling master lockout signal;enabling actuation of a lock actuator based on the enabling masterlockout signal; and activating, based on the sensor signal, the lockactuator by depressing a locking pin of a lockable hydraulic spring. 18.The method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving, by thecontroller, a disabling master lockout signal; and disabling actuationof the lock actuator based on the disabling master lockout signal,wherein disabling actuation of the lock actuator prevents unlocking ofthe lockable hydraulic spring.
 19. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: receiving, by the controller, a disabling master lockoutsignal and a position signal, wherein the position signal is from aposition sensor operatively coupled to the controller for determining aposition of a portion of the passenger seat; and enabling actuation ofthe lock actuator based on the disabling master lockout signal and theposition signal, wherein the position signal indicates that the portionof the passenger seat is in a deployed position.
 20. The method of claim17, further comprising transmitting a feedback control signal to afeedback actuator, wherein the feedback control signal causes thefeedback actuator to generate a feedback sensation indicative ofactuation of the lockable hydraulic spring to an unlocked state.